This may seem very remote, but knowing where the road leads changes the meaning of today's step. The seven paths show that human evolution does not end on Earth.
The seven paths
- IThe Path of Earth Service. The path of those who stay on the planet to continue serving humanity; said to be the one path the Lord of the World supervises directly.
- IIThe Path of Magnetic Work. Concerned with the great building forces that work magnetically with matter and forms.
- IIIThe Path of Training for Planetary Logoi. The path of those who will later take responsibility for planetary lives.
- IVThe Path to Sirius. The most crowded path, focused on the development of love-wisdom; a large part of humanity is said to go this way.
- VThe Ray Path. The path of those who join the great work of the rays.
- VIThe Path the Logos Himself is On. For those closely linked to the purpose of the solar Logos.
- VIIThe Path of Absolute Sonship. The highest and least known path.
Cosmic planes
According to the texts, the paths lead to different cosmic planes: the first, second and fourth to the cosmic astral plane; the third, fifth and seventh to the cosmic mental plane; and the sixth to the cosmic buddhic plane. Each path is said to lead towards one of the constellations forming the centres of the One About Whom Naught May Be Said.
A choice deferred
Some initiates defer their choice and remain on Earth to help the Christ and to link the Masters with the Avatar of Synthesis. This is one of the most moving ideas in the teaching: even those who reach the highest freedom may choose, for love's sake, to stay behind.